Sheep shearing

The Hand Sheep Shearing competition has been held at Bamford since the show began in 1943. Shearing sheep by hand is a traditional skill and still continues on hill farms today because it enables the shepherd to shear away from the farm whilst out shepherding his sheep. It also allows the shepherd to leave more wool on the sheep when shearing late in the season. Every farmer used to shear his sheep by hand and help his neighbouring farmer too, but nowadays most farmers use professional contractors. All the skilled shearer needs is a pair of shears in his pocket and of course years of experience! Bamford Sheep Dog Trials is one of the few places where this ancient skilled craft can still be seen.